Ruby Canchola Ascencio is a dedicated leader passionate about fostering community and professional growth within SHPE. She graduated from Oregon State University with a degree in Construction Engineering and Management, where she developed a strong foundation in problem-solving, teamwork, and leadership.
Ruby’s journey with SHPE began as a student, where she quickly became involved in chapter leadership and regional initiatives. Inspired by past leaders, she has continued to serve and support SHPE beyond graduation, recognizing the power of mentorship and community in advancing Hispanic representation in STEM.
As the current SHPE Region 1 Vice President, Ruby has worked to improve communication, strengthen connections between chapters, and create opportunities for both students and professionals. She has spearheaded initiatives like virtual and in person regional events, networking mixers, and convention preparation workshops, all aimed at enhancing member engagement and career readiness. She also emphasizes inclusivity, ensuring that members at all levels feel supported and connected.
Ruby’s vision for Region 1 is to continue building a strong, united community that empowers its members through mentorship, collaboration, and professional development. She is committed to fostering new leadership, increasing regional engagement, and ensuring that every SHPE member has access to opportunities that will help them succeed.
With her experience, dedication, and passion for SHPE’s mission, Ruby is eager to continue leading and advocating for Region 1 as its RVP.
Why are you running for SHPE elected office and what do you hope to accomplish in this position?
I was fortunate to step into the role of SHPE Region 1 Vice President this past year, and in these months, I’ve gained firsthand insight into the needs of our region. Through conversations with members, chapter leaders, and professionals, I’ve seen the importance of strengthening our sense of community, providing meaningful development opportunities, and improving communication across our chapters.
Region 1 is filled with passionate and talented individuals, and I believe that with more time in this role, I can continue building the support systems necessary for our members to thrive. My goal is to create a more connected and engaged region where students and professionals feel empowered through mentorship, leadership development, and collaboration. I want to enhance communication channels, organize impactful regional events, and provide more accessible resources that will help our members navigate their careers and SHPE journeys.
Ultimately, I am running because I care deeply about our region and want to ensure that every member feels supported, represented, and equipped for success. By fostering a strong, united community, we can create a lasting impact and continue to advance SHPE’s mission in Region 1.
Describe your prior and current involvement with SHPE.
My involvement with SHPE began at Oregon State University, where I served as both Vice President and President of my chapter. Leading at the chapter level allowed me to support our members’ professional growth, organize impactful events, and strengthen our SHPE community on campus.
During my final year, I wanted to make a difference on a larger scale, which led me to take on the role of Regional Junior Representative (RJR) for Region 1. This experience gave me the opportunity to work closely with other chapters, support regional initiatives, and gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities within our region.
A few months ago, I was honored to be asked to step in as SHPE Region 1 Vice President (RVP). In this role, I have worked to improve communication across chapters, foster stronger connections between students and professionals, and develop initiatives that enhance engagement and career readiness. Serving as RVP has reinforced my passion for supporting our members and has shown me the importance of regional leadership in driving SHPE’s mission forward.
Through each of these roles, I have remained committed to building a stronger, more connected SHPE community, and I hope to continue serving Region 1 in an even greater capacity.
How have your prior life experiences prepared you for this role?
Throughout my life, I have sought opportunities to lead, build, and support those around me. My journey in SHPE, combined with my academic and professional experiences, has prepared me to take on the role of SHPE Region 1 Vice President.
As a student leader at Oregon State University, I served as both Vice President and President of my SHPE chapter. These roles taught me how to manage teams, organize events, and advocate for the needs of my members. I learned the importance of fostering a sense of community and ensuring that every member had access to resources that would help them grow personally and professionally.
My transition to the role of Regional Junior Representative (RJR) expanded my leadership skills beyond my university, allowing me to support multiple chapters, facilitate collaboration, and understand the unique challenges faced across our region. This experience gave me insight into regional leadership and prepared me to take on the responsibilities of Regional Vice President when I was asked to step into the role a few months ago.
Beyond SHPE, my background in construction engineering and management has strengthened my ability to problem-solve, communicate effectively, and manage large-scale projects. These skills directly translate to the work of an RVP—coordinating with chapter leaders, overseeing regional initiatives, and ensuring our members have the tools they need to succeed.
Every leadership experience I’ve had has reinforced my passion for service and my commitment to SHPE’s mission. I am confident that my experiences have prepared me to continue leading Region 1 and creating lasting, positive change for our members.